Wreckage of Merlin helicopter which crashed into the Channel and left a Royal Navy aviator dead is brought to shore

The wreckage of a military helicopter crash that left a Royal Navy aviator dead has been brought to shore. Lt Rhodri Leyshon, 31, was among a crew of three that were conducting night mission rehearsals with the aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth near the Dorset coast when the helicopter suffered a 'double engine failure'. The tail section of the Merlin Mk4 helicopter was recovered today and brought into Portland Port Lt Rhodri Leyshon, 31, was among a crew of three that were conducting night mission rehearsals with the aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth near the Dorset coast when the helicopter suffered a 'double engine failure' The Royal Navy aviator's family paid tribute to a 'talented' and 'passionate' man who was 'immeasurably loved All three crew members were on board the helicopter when it made a deliberate emergency landing Lt Leyshon's colleagues were rescued from the choppy waters and were taken to hospital as a precaution They said in a statement: 'Rhod was so immeasurably loved by his parents, siblings, partner, friends and family and he was devoted to them. Lt Leyshon was aboard a Merlin Mk4 which plunged into the water near the Dorset coast The incident involved a Merlin Mk4 helicopter that ditched into the sea while conducting night flying exercises with HMS Queen Elizabeth All three crew members were on board the helicopter when it made a deliberate emergency landing. Admiral Sir Ben Key, the First Sea Lord, said that he was 'intensely saddened by the tragic loss of one of our Royal Navy personnel' The Merlin Mk4 has an exceptional safety record, according to navy sources.